Ben Shelton secured his spot in his first Grand Slam final after defeating Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal at the US Open. The match, which lasted three hours and 17 minutes, saw Shelton overcome an initial deficit to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
This victory marks a significant moment for Shelton, who will now compete to become the first American man in 23 years to win a Major singles title. He is scheduled to face Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday, September 13.
A star-studded audience
The semifinal match at Arthur Ashe Stadium drew a notable crowd, including several celebrities. Among the attendees was Serena Williams, making another appearance at Flushing Meadows. Williams had previously participated in the mixed doubles event, reaching the quarterfinals with Carlos Alcaraz, and also reunited with her sister Venus Williams for the women’s doubles competition.
Other prominent figures in attendance included New York Knicks star and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who was seen with actor Ben Stiller. Singer Camila Cabello, actress Elle Fanning, soccer legend Ronaldo, NBA player Cade Cunningham, former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, actor Rami Malek, singer Ciara, and former NFL player Russell Wilson were also present to witness the action.
Shelton will have the support of the home crowd in the final. However, he faces a challenge against Zverev, who has won all five of their previous tour-level encounters. Their last match was at the 2025 ATP Finals, where Zverev secured a 6-3, 7-6(6) victory.
Legacy and representation in tennis
The semifinal between Shelton and Tiafoe carried significant historical weight, particularly concerning the legacy of Arthur Ashe. The match was seen as a triumph for Black Americans and for the sport of tennis, with the winner becoming the first Black American man to reach a US Open singles final since Ashe in 1972. It also marked the first time a Black American man reached a Grand Slam singles final since MaliVai Washington at Wimbledon in 1996.
Both players are expected to achieve career-high rankings following the tournament. Shelton is projected to be ranked No. 4, while Tiafoe, who will be at least No. 8, could climb to fourth if he wins on Sunday.
Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, acknowledged the impact of Black athletes in tennis, stating her surprise at seeing an all-Black semifinal on the men’s side in her lifetime. She expressed respect for both Shelton and Tiafoe, hoping for a good match and for the winner to succeed in the final.
MaliVai Washington, who reached the Wimbledon men’s singles final in 1996, emphasized that while this match is significant, sustained infrastructure and passion are crucial for developing future champions. He noted that creating professional tennis players is a 15-year process, requiring continuous effort and support.
Martin Blackman, CEO of the Junior Tennis Champions Center, highlighted the importance of matches like this in inspiring thousands of children to take up tennis. He described it as a watershed moment for the sport, showcasing two exceptional players who can motivate a new generation.
Taylor Townsend, a Grand Slam doubles champion, also spoke about the importance of representation, stating that seeing someone achieve such feats makes it possible for others to believe in their own potential. She expressed pride in watching Frances and Ben compete for a spot in a Grand Slam final.
The match between Shelton and Tiafoe was a testament to the growth and progression of tennis, with both players representing the potential of American tennis. MaliVai Washington, who picked up a tennis racket at age 5, scored his first upset by beating Ivan Lendl at the Volvo International.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
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